Boldwood Books – Page 8

Today I’m reviewing Rogue Hero by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease

Here’s the blurb

When a mystery bystander stops an assassination attempt on a prominent politician, it sparks a national search that captivates the nation…

Curtis Delaney watches the footage play out on the news, and immediately recognises the unidentified hero. He hasn’t seen his brother Finn in six years. He doesn’t know where he’s been in that time, or what he’s been doing. But there’s one thing he does know: Finn is no hero.

Curtis is determined to find his brother, but equally, Curtis is no detective. A husband and lawyer (and not the ‘good’ kind), with a mortgage and responsibilities, Curtis isn’t cut out for delving into whatever seedy business Finn has gotten involved with. But when armed men turn up on his doorstep, claiming to be FBI, he quickly realises he’s been left with no choice.

The hunt for the truth will take them from the Capitol building in Washington, to the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico, and the cold streets of London, uncovering secrets of fraud, blackmail and murder. Can the brothers reunite before the real hero is discovered by the wrong people?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/rogueherosocial

My Review

Rogue Hero by Rob Sinclair is a standalone novel told from the viewpoint of two brothers, Finn and Curtis Delaney, with a timeline that eventually merges, although they are not concurrent. Mostly set in the US and Mexico, we do have side trips to Italy and the UK.

Our two main characters are far from likeable, and neither are the individuals they interact with. There’s a lot going on. Both brothers have complex backstories and there is a huge cast of characters, although in the end, it does come down to a few main players.

Complex plotting sees the reader switching between the two brothers’ point of views, and also two different time lines. With a collection of unsavoury characters, possible FBI intervention, a possibly dirty-politician and a web of financial chaos, the eventual ending is somewhat unexpected.

A complex thriller, sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

Meet the author

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Most recently published by Bloodhound, Boldwood will publish his latest action thriller, Rogue Hero, in June 2024 and will be republishing all the James Ryker series over the coming months.

Connect with the author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robsinclairauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSinclairAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RobSinclairNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rob-sinclair

I’m delighted to be sharing my review for Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley #blogtour #newrelease #comedy

Here’s the blurb

A delightfully heartwarming and funny story that proves it’s never too late to change the habits of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please.

Something old, something new, something stolen…?

Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to ‘find himself’ – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.

Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-three, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.

But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.

Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/oldgirlssocial

My Review

Old Girls Behaving Badly is a fun read with elements of mystery, which I wasn’t expecting and was very pleased to discover.

Our two main characters (and we get both of their POVs), Gina and Dorothy, are coming to terms (or not) with recent changes in their lives. While neither of them thinks they necessarily need one another, they soon discover that, in fact, they do, and they also like one another.

As the events of Dorothy’s big family wedding swirl around them, Gina and Dorothy are somewhat distanced from it. Both are trying to uncover the truth surrounding Dorothy’s husband’s death about a year ago. With the addition of a more fleet-footed granddaughter, our duo pursues the matter to the bitter end, and yes, it does feature a quad bike ride.

This story is really enjoyable. I read it in two days:)

Meet the author

Kate Galley writes UpLit and Bookclub fiction full of heart and humour. The older generation are at the centre of her stories and are usually wrapped up in a mystery.

She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser in the surrounding Chiltern villages.

In her spare time she crochets blankets, knits jumpers and also disappears into her workshop to play with kiln formed glass.

Kate is the author of The Second Chance Holiday Club – which has been optioned for TV – and The Golden Girls’ Road Trip.

Connect with the author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083291782773

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateGalley1

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateGalleyNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-galley

Happy release day to Enemies of Mercia, book 6 in the tales of young Icel #newrelease #blogtour #histfic

Well, here we are people. Book 6 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles is released today, and the most important thing I need to do, is not confuse my stories because Book 7 is written and in the hands of my editor:)

It’s hard to believe it’s only just over 2 years since the first book in the series was released. I’d like to thank all my readers for taking a chance on young Icel. And for anyone who still doesn’t know, Icel is a character from The Mercian Ninth Century series, set about 40 years later. Bringing him to life as a younger man has been a fabulous experience, and I hope that those who’ve come to Icel from the older perspective, or have jumped forward in time, appreciate the man he will become/or was. I know some have questioned Icel’s commitment to young Coenwulf and Coelwulf. I do hope everyone now realises why.

Check out some release day posts I wrote.

https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/mappinganglosaxonengland

So, what’s happening in book 6, Enemies of Mercia? Here’s the blurb;

A King’s command. A warrior’s quest for the truth…

Tamworth AD835

Following Icel’s epic rescue of Lord Coenwulf’s children from their almost certain death, King Wiglaf is forced to call upon Icel’s loyal services once more.

Furious that the conspirators behind the audacious move to snatch the children have yet to face justice, he despatches Icel to hunt down the enemy of Mercia and discover who seeks to conspire against the throne.

The dangerous mission will take Icel into the heartland of enemy-held Wessex to Winchester and onto Canterbury. As the web of lies and deceit grows, Icel must battle to discover the truth whilst keeping himself and his allies safe.

But those who conspire against the King have much to lose and will stop at nothing to prevent Icel discovering the truth.
Once more, Icel’s life is endangered as he tries to protect Mercia from her enemies who threaten Mercia’s kingly line.

https://books2read.com/Enemies-of-Mercia

Enemies of Mercia follows on from events in Book 5, Protector of Mercia. And, no spoilers here, but Book 7, as yet untitled other than in my head, will conclude this ‘mini’ story thread, as the first four books in the series also include a ‘mini’ story thread. But don’t let that stop you from reading Enemies right now – book 7 isn’t scheduled until early 2025 (I know – I’ve finally ‘caught’ up with my writing commitments, and it’s a great feeling).

Enemies of Mercia will take our young hero to the heart of Wessex, and there is a mystery element to the story (I was reading a lot of mysteries at the time, and you all know, I hope, that I’ve also written a few ‘more’ modern mysteries.) It was a lot of fun to mix my genres. I did enjoy ‘visiting’ Winchester and Canterbury in the 830s – as usual, I made the decision to take them there before I realised quite how complex it was to recreate the ancient settlements. You’ll also be pleased to know that after many of the events in Protector saw Icel alone, in Enemies he’s reunited with his allies. I really hope you’ll enjoy Enemies of Mercia.

And, if you’ve not yet tried this series, then the first book, Son of Mercia, will be reduced in ebook format on Amazon UK and Australia throughout April 2024 (and is also available to read with Kindle Unlimited), so it’s the perfect opportunity to try out the series. You don’t need to have met old Icel, or young Icel, to enjoy The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles.

books2read.com/SonOfMercia

Check out The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles for more information.

Follow the blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources and the fabulous blog hosts. I will be sharing links throughout the next week. Thank you to everyone who’s already read the book.

Sharon Beyond the Books

The Strawberry Post

Ruins and Readings

And don’t forget, Enemies of Mercia will be available in ebook, paperback, hardback, large print and audio versions from today.

I’m delighted to be reviewing Murder on the Dancefloor by Katie Marsh #cosycrime #newrelease #blogtour

They DID promise her a killer hen weekend…

Jeanie’s getting married, and – despite her completely impossible four sisters – her best friends Clio and Amber are determined to give her a bachelorette weekend to remember. They’re in matching pink T-shirts and the drinks are flowing…

But the night turns out to be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons when a girl turns up dead on the dancefloor. And – even though she’s a stranger – she is wearing one of Jeanie’s hen T-shirts.

Who is she? And why are the police convinced that the hens are involved? Can the newly-formed Bad Girls Detective Agency solve the murder? And in time to get Jeanie up the aisle?

Unputdownable mystery set on the English coast – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Bad Sistersand How to Kill Your Family.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/dancefloorsocial

My Review

Murder on the Dancefloor is the second book in Katie Marsh’s cosy crime series featuring our three would-be-detectives, Jeanie, Clio and Amber.

It’s six months after the events of How Not To Murder Your Ex, and it’s Jeanie’s hen weekend. Not, of course, that the event is going to run smoothly. When one of the nightclub guests is found dead, the three all resolve to find the culprit.

As with the first book, humour and the bitter-sweet reality of life combine to find our characters in some very awkward situations as Jeanie frantically tries to evade her overbearing family and fears for her coming wedding, whereas Amber is still determined to get one over on Marcus, her former boss and the reason she’s no longer in the police. Clio, too, is coming to terms with her daughter being at university and all the changes this has brought to her life.

I really enjoyed the storyline and the resolution of the mystery. Between the three of them, they all manage to get into some unfortunate scrapes and while there has been a murder that needs solving, this still has very much a feel-good and life-affirming quality to it. If there can be such a thing, this is a joyful cosy murder mystery.

The slightly different presentation of this novel does mean we don’t get to ‘hate’ on Clio’s ex-husband as we did in book 1 (and we all hated him), and perhaps that is a little bit of a miss, but does mean we get more of our three heroes.

A fun, entertaining, funny mystery. I look forward to reading more.

Meet the author

Katie wrote romantic fiction before turning to crime. Her debut novel was a World Book Night pick and her books are published in ten languages.

She lives in the English countryside and loves strong coffee and pretending to be in charge of her children. ‘How Not to Murder your Ex’, the first in her Bad Girls Detective Agency series is out now, published by Boldwood Books. The next instalment, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor,’ follows in March 2024.

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I’m delighted to be reviewing The Missing Maid by Holly Hepburn #histfic #cosycrime

A GLORIOUS SHERLOCK HOLMES-INSPIRED MYSTERY FOR FANS OF NITA PROSE AND JANICE HALLETT

London, 1932.

When Harriet White rebuffs the advances of her boss at the Baker Street building society where she works, she finds herself demoted to a new position… a very unusual position. Deep in the postal department beneath the bank, she is tasked with working her way through a mountain of correspondence addressed to Baker Street’s most famous resident: Mr Sherlock Holmes.

Seemingly undeterred by the fact that Sherlock Holmes doesn’t exist, letter after letter arrives, beseeching him to help solve mysteries, and Harry diligently replies to each writer with the same response: Mr Holmes has retired from detective work and now lives in Sussex, keeping bees.

Until one entreaty catches her eye. It’s from a village around five miles from Harry’s family estate, about a young woman who went to London to work as a domestic, then disappeared soon afterwards in strange circumstances. Intrigued, Harry decides, just this once, to take matters into her own hands.

And so, the case of the missing maid is opened…

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/missingmaidsocial

My Review

The Missing Maid by Holly Hepburn is a cosy crime with a rather delightful premise involving 221B Baker Street and Sherlock Holmes.

When our heroine finds herself somewhat unceremoniously ejected from her plush office in the bank, she’s somewhat wary of being redirected to the post room, but once there, she discovers her job is, if anything, somewhat tedious. However, as she types standard replies to the requests asking Sherlock Holmes to resolve problems for those writing to him, she finds herself struck by one of the requests. She is determined to do all she can to help the family while pretending to be Mr Holmes’ secretary.

The mystery leads her to some rather dodgy places in 1930s London, and she gets involved with some rather shady characters as well. She also discovers that the talent for solving crimes is not as easy as she might have hoped.

Harriet, or Harry as she’s called throughout the book, is a fun character with the fiery determination to be expected from a well-to-do young lady trying to make her way in the world in the 1930s when most seem to think all she should do is settle down and marry someone who can keep her in the way she’s accustomed. And that includes her mother.

Her wealthy background both opens doors and precludes her from gaining entry to everywhere she might wish to go. She also has to rely on a family friend for legal advice. This feels quite true to the period.

The mystery’s resolution is well constructed, and I particularly liked that it’s not ‘easy’ for Harry to solve the crime. It takes determination and acknowledging that she can’t do everything herself.

A delightful, cosy crime sure to appeal to fans of Sherlock Holmes and Golden-era crime novels.

Meet the author

Holly Hepburn has wanted to write books for as long she can remember but she was too scared to try. One day she decided to be brave and dipped a toe into the bubble bath of romantic fiction with her first novella, Cupidity, and she’s never looked back. She often tries to be funny to be funny, except for when faced with traffic wardens and border control staff. Her favourite things are making people smile and Aidan Turner.

She’s tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and she even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days she is mostly found writing.

She lives near London with her grey tabby cat, Portia. They both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.

Connect with the author

https://twitter.com/HollyH_Author

https://www.instagram.com/hollyh_author

Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Raven Lord by JC Duncan #blogtour #historicalfiction #HaraldHardrada

Here’s the blurb

Mercenary. Exile. Warlord.

At the edge of the world, the clouds of war are gathering…

1034AD

Cast out from the Kyivan Rus, Harald Sigurdsson’s quest for fame and fortune takes him to the far reaches of Europe; the lands of the Eastern Roman empire.

The empire is dying the slow death of decay and corruption. In desperation to fend off a myriad of foes, the emperor turns to the legendary Varangian guard for salvation. These deadly warriors from the far north, famed for their fearsome steel and battle skill, have become the empire’s greatest protectors.

From the golden gate of Constantinople to the holy waters of the river Jordan, Harald will march with the emperor’s finest. Joining their ranks promises him all the gold and glory he can desire, if only he can survive the desperate battles, the hostile land, and the ruthless ambition of a vengeful queen.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/ravenlordsocial

My Review

Raven Lord is book two in JC Duncan’s epic retelling of Harald Hardrada’s life. I have read book 1.

Harald has found his way to Constantinople with his band of brothers. Now he must learn the ways of politics, elevated to a whole new art in the Eastern Roman Empire, where the new emperor, Michael, and his wife, Zoe, the empress, are a far cry from allies working together to protect their vast empire. And Harald, a man more at home with a blade to hand, must discover how he and his men can not only survive but thrive in this new environment.

Raven Lord is a thrilling tale that takes readers from Constantinople to Edessa and then Jerusalem in the 1030s. It is narrated by Harald’s trusty friend, Eric, who regales his audience with tales of daring deeds as well as his own failures and faults. As Harald’s friend, Eric is often marginalised in the story of Harald’s life, but in recounting the story to a new audience, he achieves something different. I very much enjoyed this minor but important element of the story. I think we can all see where Eric’s leaning!

Harald, still as arrogant and hard-hearted as in book 1, is also shown to be a man with a weakness for a certain woman, and this facet of the story is also very well crafted. For all his battle prowess and willingness to speak his mind and to hell with the consequences, he still has his foibles.

A fabulously entertaining and well-paced tale. A real delight. It is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

Check out my review for book 1, Warrior Prince.

Meet the author

James has a 5 book historical fiction series ‘The Last Viking’ about the extraordinary life of Harald Hardrada being published with Boldwood books starting with ‘Warrior Prince’. When he isn’t writing or doing his full-time engineering job, James is happiest being an amateur bladesmith, forging knives in the shed he built in his garden.

Connect with JC Duncan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCDuncanAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/?hl=enn

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-duncan

Today I’m delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for new historical mystery, Murder in Moscow by Kelly Oliver #blogtour #BoldwoodBooks

Here’s the blurb:

Journey into the heart of 20th Century Russia in this fun and funny historical mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright and Helena Dixon.

1918 Moscow

Will following her heart mean losing her head? It could mean losing her job.

Fiona Figg trails her nemesis Fredrick Fredricks to Moscow. But when she arrives at the grand Metropol Hotel, the bounder has vanished.

After Fiona doesn’t show up for work at the War Office, Kitty Lane raises a red flag and tracks her to Russia. Seeking haven at the British Embassy, Kitty and Fiona become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Bolshevik government.

But the plot turns deadly when Fiona goes undercover as a governess in the household of Iron Viktor, the Bolsheviks’ Head of Secret Police. And when Viktor turns up dead in his study, Fiona finds herself wanted for murder and on the lam.

Can Fiona and Kitty find the real killer and escape the Kremlin before it’s too late? Or will this dangerous game of Russian roulette be their last?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/murdermoscowsocial

My Review

Murder in Moscow is the latest instalment in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane cosy historical mystery series.

We’ve been to Egypt, Italy, the UK and now we’re off to 1918 Moscow. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, or so it seems. Kitty, following Frederick Fredericks to Moscow, find herself marooned in an freezing cold Moscow in March, and that’s just the beginning of her problems, as she faces arrest and all sorts of other problems in this fun addition to the series.

What I loved about this new book is that Kitty gets her own part in it. So far, (I think), the narratives have been from Fiona’s point of view. In Murder in Moscow, Kitty gets to have her say and we learn some intriguing information about her. And, as Kitty can speak Russian a whole lot better than Fiona, Fiona really needs her help.

With the Bolsheviks, the Cheka, and the terrible problems facing the Russian royal family, Moscow is rife with conspiracy. As ever, Fiona walks right into it, and not even her disguises can necessarily help her.

This is, as I said, a fun addition to the series, which is going from strength to strength. Fiona is a single-minded woman, hell bent on making a name for herself, and her overconfidence means she gets into some very tricky situations. Her ability to get out of these situations is one of the appealing qualities of the series, told with a pinch of humour.

Check out my review for books 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery books Chaos at Carnegie Hall, Covert in Cairo, Mayhem in the Mountains and Arsenic at Ascot.

Meet the Author

Kelly Oliver is the author of three award-winning bestselling mystery series and dozens of nonfiction books.

Connect with Kelly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyoliverbook

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KellyOlivernews

I’m delighted to be reviewing The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick #blogtour #dualtimeline #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

1671 – London

The Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn. Beloved of the English people, Nell has come a long way from selling oranges and a childhood in a brothel, but as her fortunes have turned, her sister Rose has taken a different path. Marriage to a feckless highwayman has left Rose in the grim Marshalsea prison and now she needs her sister’s mercy to help get her out. But Nell needs Rose too. A plot to steal the Crown Jewels has gone tragically wrong, and Nell’s future with her protector King is at risk. If Rose can’t solve the riddle of the jewels both Gwyn sisters will head straight to the Tower.

Present Day

Librarian and history enthusiast Jess Yates has hit rock bottom. With her ex behind bars for fraud, Jess needs to lay low – easier said than done with a celebrity sister. But Tavy has her uses. Her latest TV project involves renovating Fortune Hall, and she needs a house sitter while she’s jetting around the world. The opportunity is too good to miss, especially when Jess discovers that Fortune Hall has links to the infamous Nell Gwyn.

Slowly the house begins to reveal its mysteries, and secrets that have laid buried for centuries can no longer be ignored. Jess hears echoes from a tragic past and as she struggles to understand her sister, Jess feels ever closer to Rose Gwyn, the sister forgotten by history but who had the fate of her family in her hands.

Bestselling author Nicola Cornick is back with a captivating, gripping, unforgettable tale of treachery and treason, love and loyalty, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins and Christina Courtenay.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/gwyngirlsocial

My Review

The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick is a dual-timeline novel taking place in the present day and the early 1670s, offering an account of the life of The Other Gwyn Girl, Rose, as opposed to Nell, mistress of Charles II, although Nell does have a role in the book.

Beginning with events in the 1670s, the historical element of the story is well woven and told in a 1st person POV, taking in the theatre, London, the king, and indeed, the theft of the crown jewels as well as the delight of the Marshelsea prison. I was firmly invested in Rose’s story and, as often with dual-timeline tales, felt a little resentful that the whole tale was not about Rose:)

That said, our modern timeline, told from a 3rd person POV, is still intriguing, encompassing the Bodleian Library, ancient letters, and a little bit of ‘otherworldlyness’. The parallels between the two narratives, both ‘the unfamous’ sisters, worked well.

The narrative is certainly engaging, and I whipped through the book in only a few sittings, quite desperate to find out what would happen to Rose in the historical timeline.

A really enjoyable tale, well pieced together, and thrilling.

(I would have loved some historical notes at the back – sorry, it’s the historian in me).

Meet the author

Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a researcher and guide for the National Trust in one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate her love of history, mystery and the supernatural, and focus on women from the footnotes of history. Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide and been described as “perfect for Outlander fans.” Nicola also gives writing and history talks, works as a consultant for TV and radio, and is a trustee of the Wantage Literary Festival and the Friends of Lydiard Park.

Connect with the author

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It’s my turn on the Thor’s Revenge by Donovan Cook #blogtour #newrelease #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

A kingdom without a crown.

A boy forsaken by his God.

A warrior bent on revenge.

After the bloody Battle of Jelling, Denmark’s throne lies empty and chaos reigns as Jarls jostle for power.

Sven survives the bloodshed only to return home to find Ribe sacked by those he trusted and Charles, a pawn in a much bigger political game, kidnapped.

Consumed by the loss of Charles, Sven is shocked by the arrival of the Abbess Hildegard, daughter of his nemesis King Louis of East Francia, who seeks the whereabouts of Charles, her son, and also the cross of Charlemagne.

But whilst others want revenge for the chaos Sven has caused, Denmark burns and Sven must stand in the shield wall one more time if he is to survive and rescue his grandson.

Outnumbered and outmaneuvered, Sven and Charles must put their fate in the hands of the gods if they ever want to see each other again.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/thorsrevengesocial

My Review

Thor’s Revenge is the third book in the Charlemagne’s Cross series by Donovan Cook. I have read the previous two books.

Thor’s Revenge begins immediately after the previous book’s events, with Sven the Boar recovering from the events of the great battle. At the same time, conspiracy and secrets continue to swirl around him and his grandson, Charles.

In book 3, we learn more answers to the secrets and also meet a few new characters who have previously been alluded to but not ‘seen’ on stage, as it were.

The many threads take a while to get into, but when I did, I flew through the story, really enjoying how well they connect. I also greatly enjoy the ‘light’ touch adopted for the competing religions of paganism and Christianity. Questions are asked by those of both faiths, especially Sven and Charles, who can perhaps see that not everything is as black and white as might be believed. The conniving members of the royal family in East and West Frankia add a layer of ‘sophisticated’ conspiracy above that of the more ‘immediate’ concerns of Sven and Charles.

There are also several battles and fights, and I’m looking forward to Book 4, where I hope we may find some resolution for Sven and Charles.

It is a fine addition to the series that develops depth as the story progresses and has an ending, making me desperate to read more. So, get on with it Donovan:)

Fans of the genre will delight in the continuing tale of Sven the Boar and Charles.

Check out my reviews for Odin’s Betrayal and Loki’s Deceit and Valhalla’s Fury.

Meet the author

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series and the Charlemagne’s Cross series, both of which combine fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world and are inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England.

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I’m delighted to share my review for Murder in the Library by Anita Davison #bookreview #blogtour #historicalmystery #newrelease

Here’s the blurb

A body in a hospital isn’t so unusual. Unless they’ve been murdered!

1916, London: Keen to support the war effort, bookshop manager and sometime amateur sleuth Hannah Merrill has taken a volunteer role in the library of the nearby military hospital. But arriving at the hospital one cold winter’s morning, she is horrified to find the body of a dead soldier in the library.

What’s more, a beautiful young nurse confides in Hannah that she thinks she’s being followed, and then she abruptly disappears. Hannah can’t shake the suspicion that the two cases are connected, but she can’t solve the case alone. She’ll once again need to call upon her delightful, demanding, only-occasionally devious aunt, Violet. The two women know they must find the missing nurse before it’s too late… but they don’t realise they’re now both in the killer’s sights.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/MurderLibrarySocial

My Review

Murder in the Library is the second book in the Miss Merill and Aunt Violent cosy crime mystery series. I have read the first book.

Events begin quickly in this one when Hannah finds a body in the hospital library where she volunteers. Although she doesn’t intend to, Hannah quickly finds herself embroiled in the investigation to uncover who killed the dead man and why. Along the way, she finds herself involved in a few tricky situations as the toll of World War I begins to be felt in Britain.

All the familiar characters from Book 1 reappear, and I’m enjoying the relationships that are developing between Aunt Violet and Hannah.

The mystery is intriguing, although it seems to be resolved fairly quickly. Although, fear not, for there is more at play and more to uncover.

It’s a really enjoyable historical mystery. Hannah is a fun character, as is her aunt, and I’m enjoying reading about the two women flouting the social constraints of the era.

It’s sure to appeal to fans of a good historical who dun it.

Check out my review for Murder in the Bookshop.

Meet the author

Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series. Previously published by Aria, she is writing a new cosy mystery series for Boldwood, the first title of which, Murder in the Bookshop, will be published in August 2023.